According to U.S. officials, the CIA has determined that Ukraine did not target a residence used by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent drone strike in northern Russia. This assessment contradicts a claim that Putin allegedly made to former U.S. President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on the assessment on Wednesday, officials said.
Russia had publicly accused Ukraine of attempting to strike Putin’s home, and Trump initially expressed concern over the reported action, stating he was “very angry” but also acknowledged it was possible the claim was false. He later shared an editorial on Truth Social highlighting skepticism of Russia’s claim.
The New York Post editorial criticized Putin’s response and noted that any attack on him would be “more than justified,” while emphasizing that the drone strike likely never happened, as strongly denied by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov failed to provide proof, asking the press to “trust the Kremlin,” which the editorial dismissed.
CNN has reached out to the White House for comment. The CIA declined to comment.
